The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc Ahmed Dangiwa, has expressed strong support for the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) Federal Capital Territory’s plan to build a dedicated ‘Journalists’ Village’ in Abuja. This housing scheme aims to provide affordable homes for media professionals.
During a recent meeting with the NUJ FCT leadership, led by Chairman Ms Grace Ike, Minister Dangiwa praised journalists for their important role in explaining government policies and holding officials accountable. He assured that journalists would not be left out of the government’s housing initiatives under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Housing Programme.
The minister explained that the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) will assist the NUJ in developing the village through a cooperative housing scheme. However, he noted that the first step is for the union to secure a titled plot of land and a housing design.
“Once you get a titled land and housing plan, bring it to us. We will support building affordable homes with payment plans over about 30 years,” Dangiwa said.
The Renewed Hope Housing Programme seeks to address Nigeria’s housing shortage through large housing projects, slum upgrades, and social housing across the country. So far, over 10,000 homes are underway in 14 states and the FCT, alongside improvements like roads and clean water.
Minister Dangiwa also mentioned partnerships with financial institutions like Shelter Afrique to fund 5,000 affordable homes and plans to launch local building material hubs to lower construction costs.
Chairman Grace Ike thanked the minister and President Tinubu for the commitment to building 50,000 new homes in the first phase of the programme. She stressed that housing is more than shelter; it is dignity and essential for national growth.
Ike urged support for the Journalists’ Village, infrastructure improvements including the NUJ Pentagon building, and better access to housing finance for journalists. She pledged NUJ’s continued cooperation to help build a better Nigeria.